US Vice President Kamala Harris's late entry into the presidential race has sparked renewed energy among young Democrats, a crucial voter base for the party’s success against Donald Trump.

When President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21 and endorsed Harris, 28-year-old Stevie O'Hanlon from the Sunrise Movement expressed relief. O'Hanlon noted that concerns over Biden’s age and weak polling against Trump had caused apprehension among young voters, but Harris's candidacy has brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm.

Ethan Nichols, a 22-year-old college student from Cincinnati, observed a noticeable increase in political engagement among his peers since Harris's announcement. Nichols noted that friends who were previously uninterested in politics are now sharing memes and expressing excitement about Harris's campaign.

Harris, at 59, is leveraging her age advantage over the 78-year-old Trump to energize younger voters. Her campaign has been active on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, featuring popular rap artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo. These videos have gained millions of views, amplifying her appeal.

Additionally, Harris recently appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and delivered a virtual speech to young Democrats, emphasizing the importance of their participation in the election.

With approximately 40 million eligible voters aged 18 to 27, mobilizing this demographic is critical. Although young Americans typically lean Democratic, their turnout has been inconsistent. The 2020 election saw a significant increase in young voter participation, which Democrats hope to replicate this year.

To secure support, Harris must clearly differentiate herself from Biden and address key issues like abortion rights, gun control, and environmental concerns. Ruby Belle Booth, a Tufts University researcher, stressed the need for Harris to effectively advocate for these causes to solidify her appeal among young voters.

Harris’s upcoming speech at the Democratic National Convention on August 22 will be a key moment for her to outline her policy priorities. Meanwhile, Trump, who secured the Republican nomination last month, has had to adjust his campaign strategy, focusing less on Biden's age and health now that Harris is in the race.